Will it be registered as a World Heritage site in the summer of 2026?! "Thorough Investigation: Asuka and Fujiwara Capitals," where an archaeologist delves into the mysteries of ancient history set in the imperial cities of Asuka and Fujiwara, to be released on May 11!

Press Release Information Title: Will it be registered as a World Heritage site in the summer of 2026?! "Thorough Investigation: Asuka and Fujiwara Capitals," where an archaeologist delves into the mysteries of ancient history set in the imperial cities of Asuka and Fujiwara, to be released on May 11! Subtitle: Company Name: Industry: Body (First 8000 characters): "Thorough Investigation: Asuka and Fujiwara Capitals"

An archaeologist with the unique background of also being a tour guide for 30 years sheds light on ancient traces remaining on the ground (palace ruins, temple ruins, kofun, imperial tombs, stone structures, etc.) and proposes five hypotheses.

Utilizing the "Tosa" (on-site investigation) method, which involves walking and observing, the author interprets topography, consults literature, and verifies hypotheses while incorporating a guide's perspective. At the beginning of each chapter, the techniques archaeologists use to formulate arguments are introduced.

Learn the tricks from an archaeologist and re-experience the thrill of deduction.

Asuka stone structures and distribution map

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Unraveling the Mystery of Stone Structures Archaeologist's Perspective ① Observe objects carefully Mysterious stone structures of Asuka / Grasping the 26 scattered stone structures / Shapes of the Monkey Stone, Human Head Stone, and Two-faced Stone, etc.

Chapter 2: Exploring the Baseline of Asuka-kyo Archaeologist's Perspective ② Unraveling the planning of urban design Straight ancient official roads / National monuments suddenly appear, etc.

Chapter 3: Tracing the Kyoshinkyo (Mad Heart Canal) Archaeologist's Perspective ③ Formulating and developing arguments using the "sweet potato vine" method Strange depressions seen on the surface of the Sakafuneishi Stone / Sakafuneishi Stone site and Empress Saimei, etc.

Chapter 4: Verifying the "Sacred Line" that embodies the ideals of Fujiwara-kyo Archaeologist's Perspective ④ Grasping in plan, elevation, and section Emperor Tenmu's long-cherished wish, the construction of Fujiwara-kyo / Intellectuals and engineers who supported the construction of the capital, etc.

Chapter 5: Observing the Feng Shui of the Asuka Imperial Tomb Area Archaeologist's Perspective ⑤ Interpreting the landscape Location of kofun in the Asuka Imperial Tomb Area / Model course for kofun investigation, etc.

Tosa MAP of Asuka Imperial Tomb Area (from this book)

Author Takashi Kitamura Born in 1958. Archaeologist. Ph.D. (Literature). Served as a professor at Hannan University until March 2025. While teaching, he also worked as a tour guide, with over 30 years of experience. A fieldworker who adheres to a hands-on approach as a researcher, local guide, and historical consultant. His other works include "Mysteries of the Kofun Wall Paintings of Takamatsuzuka and Kitora" (Kodansha), "Fluctuating Astronomy: Mysteries of the Kitora and Takamatsuzuka Kofun" (Kyoiku Hyoronsha), and many others.

Product Information "Thorough Investigation: Asuka and Fujiwara Capitals" Author: Takashi Kitamura Publisher: NHK Publishing Release Date: May 11, 2026 Price: 1,980 yen (tax included) Format: A5, softcover Pages: 272 pages ISBN: 978-4-14-082011-7 EC site: https://www.nhk-book.co.jp/detail/000000820112026.html Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/414082011X/ Keywords: